Spring 2008 Church IT RoundTable

Editors note: If you’re looking for a more superficial post on the technical details of MinistryTECH and the Spring RoundTable, move along now. That is NOT what this is going to be.

Warning: Deep Philosophical Stuff Ahead

The last four days have just flew by and I’m sad that MinistryTECH and the Spring RoundTable are now over. I always leave these times together with a heavy heart, much like the heavy heart I had Monday morning of this past week when I boarded Delta flight 47 to head back home from Moscow, Russia. There is just something so incredibly special about the relationships that are formed and strengthened at a CITRT event.

We had several first-timers this week and I’d love for some of you to leave a comment on your impressions. Someone usually asks the question “What was the most meaningful thing about this event for you?” and since 9/10 of us are hardcore geeks who thrive on the latest and greatest shiny gadgets, the answer usually surprises me. It comes in different forms and worded in different ways, but it all boils down to one thing: The People. And “The People” doesn’t just mean our “A-Listers” like Tony Dye, Jason Powell, Clif Guy, and Jason Lee – it’s the effect of the full group all meeting together and encouraging one another while discussing technology and spiritual things. It’s been said before, but I’ll repeat it here: We really have something special here! Sure, we have the common bond of technology and things surrounding it, but I honestly think if we took that away today, we would still have a great community and still be friends.

I wish there was a better way to let all of you know what an encouragement you are to me – both professionally and spiritually. I consider it an honor anytime I get to participate in (or even just listen to) “big picture” conversations like I did last night at dinner with Clif, Tony, JasonL, and JasonP and again this morning over breakfast with Tony and JasonP. I truly feel that my thoughts and opinions are valued and I always walk away feeling blessed by knowing all of you. I really look forward to the day when I can join you guys in ministry.

I don’t think I could say it any better than you did. For me, the technical discussions are great and I get a lot out of them, but I really think I get more from the relationships. I’ve been trying to explain this to my wife for a few weeks and I think she finally gets it!